When it occurs, water damage can wreak havoc on your home. After your home has suffered water damage, you shouldn’t overlook what caused it. Water damage has several root causes. If your home has sustained damage, it’s time to call a water damage restoration company for help. Here are the most common root causes of water damage (and some common signs you should be on the lookout for).
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are one of the most common causes of residential water damage. Our homes are filled with pipes designed to take water away from our home. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Pipes get corroded over time. When they do, pinholes form, which slowly leak water into your walls, floorboards, and cabinets.
In addition to corrosion, leaky pipes can also be caused by high water pressure, seal damage, and untreated drain clogs. Regardless of what causes it, there are a few signs you should watch for, such as:
- Increased water bills
- Musty, foul odor
- Wet spots on the floor, inside cabinets, or on the wall
- Stained or damaged floors and walls
- Mold
- Cracks in your home’s foundation
- Puddles of water outside the toilet or bathtub
- Hissing sound
If you notice any of these, they could be a sign that a water leak is present. This requires your immediate attention.
Severe Weather
Severe weather is another common cause of damage in both residential and commercial properties. Natural disasters like floods and hurricanes can occur with little notice. As a result, it’s not always possible to protect yourself or your home. This is especially true if you live in a flood-prone area or near the ocean.
Extreme winds usually accompany severe weather. These winds can easily remove roofing tiles and damage your roof. As a result, rainwater can fall directly into your house. This is why it’s always important to inspect your roof for any potential weak spots that could be exacerbated by unpredictable or dangerous weather.
Clogged Drains
You hop in the shower and notice an inch or two of water resting at the bottom. But you’re running late for work, so you decide to get to it later. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking can increase your risk of water damage.
Dirt, grease, and hair are all common causes of clogged drains. Whether the clog is in your bathroom or kitchen doesn’t matter; the result is always the same. Over time, these foreign objects clog the drain pipe and make it nearly impossible for water to pass through. If a clogged drain is not handled right away, it can back up and release water onto your floor.
Combat clogged drains by keeping hair and soap scum far away. You should also avoid pouring grease or coffee grounds down your kitchen drains. If you have to get rid of grease, try pouring it in a sealable container to dispose of outside the house.
Broken Water Heater Need Water Damage Restoration
Water heaters break down over time. Leaks are common the older the water heater gets. Water heaters could also be installed incorrectly or improperly maintained, which can also result in leaks. Regardless of the cause, a leaky water heater can quickly flood your basement and destroy your furniture and decorations.
One way you can protect your water heater is by installing a pre-water heater filtration system. This will slow the sediment before it enters your tank.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters move water away from the house. Unfortunately, gutters are clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris. This makes it impossible for rainwater to drain properly. If your home’s gutter is clogged, it will force the water to overflow the edges of your gutters, run down the side of your house, and damage the walls, ceiling, and floors.
Contact PNW Restoration For All Your Water Damage Restoration Needs
If your home has suffered water damage, don’t panic. The trained water damage restoration technicians at PNW Restoration have the tools and experience to mitigate the damage. We will safely remove water from your home and disinfect the affected areas. Our team of trained technicians is standing by to help you with your water damage restoration needs. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing the Portland area with solutions to your restoration needs and emergency services if you need them. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or need emergency services, call (971) 247-3381. You can also schedule an appointment with us online by either filling out the form on our site or emailing us at ContactUS@pnwrestorationservices.com.
